How to spot a spot weld???

[thecrazygreek]

I am in the process of removing some panels off the tub.

What are your best methods of spotting a spot weld?

I can't seem to find them all, and it's really tuff finding the centers of them for the pre drill dimple. This is on rusty and non rusty areas. I am trying to avoid guessing, and redrilling (overdrilling) these things.

Im working on the floor pans and the rear sill.

Thanks for your help...

 

[Coolerman]

They are almost always dimpled. I always use a wire wheel to strip off paint and rust, it makes them easier to see. There is not a guarenteed way to hit the center. There are spot weld removal tools that help, (see www.eastwoodco.com), but I just use two drill bits. 1/8" to start then 1/4" to drill out the spot weld. Get them with the 1/4" hex drive and the holder and it's really quick to swap between them. Or just use two drills. Sometimes you just miss the center. I also use an air chisel with a flat thin edge to help separate the panels.

 

[thecrazygreek]

So this is a messy job no matter how you approach it...

Question.. Is the rear sill spot welded to the fender in the wheel well area? The wing tip part?

thx

 

[Coolerman]

So this is a messy job no matter how you approach it...

Question.. Is the rear sill spot welded to the fender in the wheel well area? The wing tip part?

thx

Mine was so rusted in that area, the PO had put bolts through it to hold it on! So I really have no idea if they are supposed to be spot welded on. I welded mine on when I replaced though...

 

[ManBearPig]

Question.. Is the rear sill spot welded to the fender in the wheel well area? The wing tip part?

[/quote]

Looking at the right side of my chopped off sill curvey bit I can see 2 spot welds in the center of the channel. One right above where the corner reflector mounted, and one closer to the end, there is also a half inch weld on the bottom lip.

 

[Tools R Us]

They are almost always dimpled. ...

And the dimple is often filled with paint, making them hard to spot. I take the paint off the area using a sander with relatively course paper, the paint stays in the dimples, making them easier to spot.